More than 1.5m Muslim pilgrims begin hajj as Iran peace deal hangs in the balance

Despite the uncertainty triggered by the Iran war, Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad to participate in this year’s hajj than in 2025.

• Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims are participating in hajj
• International pilgrimage numbers increased despite regional conflicts
• More foreign pilgrims attended compared to 2025
• Saudi authorities successfully managing the event
• Pilgrimage maintains religious significance amid geopolitical uncertainty